Philadelphians are often surprised to discover that the New Jersey Pine Barrens – a 1.1 million acre landscape of cedar bogs, pine forests, rivers, and hiking trails – is less than 20 miles from their city. The Pine Barrens is classified as an International Biosphere Reserve and is a precious resource for plants and wildlife, water protection, recreation, and scientific exploration. Join us for a virtual tour of this globally unique ecosystem and learn about its natural history, its rare species, its carnivorous plants, and its curious dependence on frequent fire.

Dr. Amy Karpati is the Director for Conservation Science with Pinelands Preservation Alliance, a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection of the New Jersey Pinelands. Her work has focused on conservation biology, urban ecology, ecological restoration, and plant ecology. Amy also teaches as an adjunct instructor for the Sustainability Management program at The Earth Institute, Columbia University.